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Playing With Stripes: Simplicity 2444 v2.0

Heeey-Ooooooh! So I finally did the finishing touches to my second version of Simplicity 2444. I made a few changes to the pattern pieces to get this chevron effect. I traced the bodice pattern piece and instead of laying it on the fold, I added a seam allowance so that I could create a chevron effect with my striped fabric. I also changed the neckline to a 45 degree angle to mimic the shape of the stripes. This fabric was actually a stretch cotton which I didn’t realize when I purchased it. the combination of stretch and being cut on the bias makes for a very comfortable dress. I opted to not include pockets in this version, because I didn’t want to throw my pattern matching off at the side seams. The only place where the stripes don’t match up perfectly is at the center back with my zipper installation. Honestly, I should have done a hand-picked zipper so that I could have more control. But, I didn’t feel like doing any hand sewing, so I didn’t. Instead of using facings I fully lined this dress. Using this tutorial for an All-Machine Clean-Finish Sleeveless Bodice Lining Technique from the Slapdash Sewist, it came together quite simply. I then clean-finished by machine the bodice lining to the zipper tape using this tutorial. In keeping up with the no hand sewing I used my blind hem foot to finish the hem. Then I was done. Since this dress is fully lined I didn’t really bother with fancy seam finishes since you can’t see them. Everything is pinked on the inside. All-in-all I really like this dress. It’s fun and comfortable and I definitely won’t have to worry about running into someone else wearing the same thing. Isn’t sewing grand?

This last photo is an outtake but it’s the best one that shows what the stripes did at the darts.

I love this dress! One quick question for you (as I’ve also considered using this pattern for chevrons)–did you make any modifications to the darts? I can’t decide if the vertical darts would effect the stripes or not…

First of all, you are adorable and so is that dress! I have a major amazing green and white striped cotton that I wanted to use for a chevron ed bodice and you are inspiring me to get around to it. Thanks for the links to the lining tutorials. I spent a 6 hour bus ride handsewing some linings last weekend which was amusing for my fellow passengers and annoying for me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! After trying to get my head around the chevron and googling all afternoon, I came here and FINALLY it all makes sense. I’m a hem away from finishing my first Chevron skirt and it went over like a charm. Amazing how something which is actually pretty simple can do ones head in!

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